Life; an adventure, a journey with Jesus!

And the giving goes on and on and on.....

The American TEAM has left and left us with some new and some gently used items to share with other Peruvians. Stateside before they come to Peru, the TEAM Members ask their family, friends, and churches to give ‘just about anything’ they no longer have need for, and in turn the TEAM gives these donations to the Peruvians. The TEAM did not completely distribute all that they brought with them. They entrust us to do so for them throughout the year, so their giving continues even in their absence. It is a way that we can minister to those in need – we are conduits for Christ, bringing the needs and resources together.

Hold that thought and let me tell you about a friend of ours. She and her family have adopted us and include us in family gatherings and holidays, as well as love on us, and help us time and again. Let me ask you a couple of simple questions. How many beds are in your house? How many sets of linens do you have? Do you have a linen closet? Is it full and over flowing? I don’t have to ask these questions of my friend. I know there were 9 in the house at one time, in 3 bedrooms and 3 sets of bunk beds. Count it up. You’re right, two to a bed in some instances. I did some detective work and found out that they didn’t have ‘extra’ linens. I’m not sure they even have one set per bed. And I’m positive they don’t have a linen closet!

Today we are going to deliver some of those gently used sheets and pillow cases to our friend. It is such a blessing to be able to give something to them in return for all they do for us. We are excited to surprise them. Let’s go. We put the linens in grocery bags and set out on foot to deliver them to the family. As we approached the house, we noticed the door that is always open, was closed. It may be due to the weather. After all, it is winter here in July. But when we knocked on the gate, when we called her name, we found no one answered us. We were disappointed and decided Don would go on with our next errand and return to the house, while I would wait and see if anyone would come home during that time. Sure enough, once he left, one of the ladies (there are 3) who live here was returning home from walking two of the children to school. She and her younger son recognized me from the corner and hastened their pace to see me.

Gently used sheets and pillow cases wouldn’t probably excite you or me too much. But she was ecstatic! She chatted on and on about the different patterns of the sheets. Some were brown stripes others were blue flowers, and others solid in color. I was not able to catch all she said, but I did catch the hugs, kisses, words of thanks and excitement that came pouring out of her.

It was so cool to bring together the resources and needs, once again. I only wish you could get a glimpse of what transpired. When I told her the American TEAM gave them to me to give to some Peruvians, she wanted to make sure that I thanked the TEAM. The joy and happiness brought to this family is beyond words. Thank you to the Americans for sharing with our Peruvian friends.

This reminds me of a song we have all heard Sandy Patti sing. The Gift Goes on. I’ve copied the words below for you as a reminder. The ‘gift’ in this case, of course, is the ‘gift of love’. But what I am reminded of is that whatever we give, even a cup of cold water, can be such a blessing. Let’s not forget the greatest gift and share it as well!

The Father gave the Son
The Son gave the Spirit
The Spirit gives us life
So we can give the Gift of love
And the Gift goes on
And the Gift goes on
And the Gift goes on
And the Gift goes on

Don't you love to get a present wrapped up in a Christmas bow
God gave each of us a present on that night so long ago
It's a Gift that keeps on giving if our spirits can receive
It's the secret joy of living if our hearts can just believe

And the Gift goes on
And the Gift goes on
And the Gift goes on
And the Gift goes on and on and on (repeat)

When your life is full of Christmas then your life is full of love
You can give away the present that began with God above
Just like ripples in the water the circles of our love extend
What was started with the Father is a Gift that has no end.